Msgr. Michael Carroll assumes leadership of ecumenical office
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
PHILADELPHIA — “We take all the good work that has been done and just try to build on it at the direction of the Cardinal.”
That is the goal of Msgr. Michael J. Carroll, 73, for his new duties as part-time director of the archdiocesan Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, beginning June 16. At the same time, he will remain parochial vicar with the status of senior priest at St. Katharine of Siena Parish in Wayne and pastor emeritus of St. Hilary of Poitiers in Rydal.
“For somebody late in life, it’s a nice challenge and an opportunity to do the necessary work in the ecumenical and interreligious areas,” Msgr. Carroll said.
He will succeed Father Gregory J. Fairbanks, who has been appointed to serve the Holy See as an official in the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, effective June 1.
Msgr. Carroll is no stranger to working toward ecumenical and interreligious understanding.
He is a member of the U.S. Bishops’ Advisory Board for Jewish-Catholic Relations. And while he was the Archdiocese’s assistant superintendent of schools, from 1974 to 1985, he was co-chair of the Holocaust Conference for the City of Philadelphia.
During those years, he contributed to the 1979 publication of “Abraham: Our Father in Faith,” a teacher’s guide and a curricula guide that explores the relationships between Catholics and Jews.
The purpose of the publication was to provide basic knowledge of the beliefs and practices of Judaism, and to help Catholic students understand how the Jewish people view their religious experience.
The guidelines were distributed nationally. by the Anti-Defamation League. The Bishops’ Conference of Latin America translated the publication into Spanish and distributed it to dioceses throughout Central and South America.
In addition to providing background information for teachers, the guide shows where in schools’ curricula Jewish-Catholic relationships may be highlighted. Its publication followed the release of a national study about religion textbooks and what they lacked.
“We thought we made a contribution, and it was recognized as such,” Msgr. Carroll said. The work received an award from the Buffalo, N.Y., chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
In preparing to assume his new duties, Msgr. Carroll applauded the work of Father Fairbanks, who has been the director since 2005: “He’s done a terrific job, just magnificent work. That’s why he’s going to Rome.”
Another person who has played an integral role in the ecumenical and interreligious affairs office is its assistant director, Sister Josephine Kase of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Msgr. Carroll noted, “She’s marvelous.” She has served as the assistant director for the past 22 years.
Msgr. Carroll was ordained in May 1961 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul by Cardinal John Krol. Pope John Paul II named him a monsignor in April 1982.
As for the work ahead of him in the ecumenical and interreligious affairs office, Msgr. Carroll said he plans “to build on the great work of the diocese under the direction of the Cardinal. We’re here to help the Cardinal in his efforts. The diocese has done magnificent work.”
Msgr. Carroll said those efforts include preparing resource materials, presenting information to the laity and participating in dialogues with religious leaders of other faiths and denominations.
“In accepting our neighbor and working with our neighbor who is of a different faith” and respecting each individual’s dignity, “we’re fulfilling the mission of unity,” Msgr. Carroll said. “We meet with the academics and the leaders, but the ultimate goal is everybody — not just the leadership, but those who are being led.”
Each person plays a role in building up relations, Msgr. Carroll continued: “Respect the dignity of everyone, respect the freedom for each one to follow their faith and, in doing that, work in the community together for the common good.”
It is crucial, Msgr. Carroll concluded, to “build on the past, be active in the present and grow into the future.”
For more information, contact the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at (215)587-3624.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine may be reached at (215) 587-2468
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